Sri Lanka Family Tour
Overview
This family-focused itinerary is designed with kids and parents in mind. Enjoy hands-on experiences like feeding baby elephants, watching turtles hatch, riding scenic hill country trains, and building sandcastles on golden beaches. Every day brings new adventures tailored for families, with comfortable accommodations and manageable driving distances.
Tour Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1Welcome to Sri Lanka
Your family is warmly welcomed at Bandaranaike International Airport. Transfer to your Colombo hotel and give everyone a chance to rest and acclimatize after the journey. In the evening, take a stroll along Galle Face Green — the city's iconic ocean promenade — where kids can fly kites, snack on local street food, and watch the sun dip into the sea.
Day 2Colombo City Fun
Explore Colombo with the whole family at a relaxed pace. Visit the Dehiwala Zoo to see elephants, leopards, giraffes, and exotic birds — a firm favourite with younger travellers. Head to Galle Face Green in the late afternoon for a street food feast of isso wade (prawn fritters), rolls, and fresh king coconuts, then end the evening with a colourful sunset over the Indian Ocean.
Day 3Journey to Sigiriya via Pinnawala
Drive north into the Cultural Triangle, stopping at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage — one of the most exciting experiences for children in Sri Lanka. Watch, feed, and photograph Asia's largest collection of captive elephants as they bathe in the river and roam the grounds. Continue to Sigiriya and check in to your family resort, surrounded by jungle and paddy fields.
Day 4Sigiriya Adventures
For the adventurous members of the family, attempt the climb of Sigiriya Rock Fortress — the ancient citadel with its lion-paw gateway and 5th-century frescoes. Younger children may prefer the easier Pidurangala Rock climb with equally stunning views. In the afternoon, embark on a traditional village safari by bullock cart, cycling through rice paddies and stopping to try local snacks at a village home.
Day 5To the Hills of Kandy
Drive south to Kandy, the cultural capital nestled in the highlands. Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya — a wonderful space for kids to run freely beneath giant bamboo groves and along the orchid paths. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and in the evening attend a thrilling Kandyan cultural show with drumming, fire-walking, and masked dances.
Day 6Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Wind upward through emerald tea estates into the cool highlands of Nuwara Eliya. Stop at a working tea plantation and factory — kids love watching the leaves roll and dry — and enjoy a tasting session. Visit the Ambewela dairy farm, nicknamed 'New Zealand of Sri Lanka,' and a strawberry farm where you can pick your own fruit. Finish the day with a boat ride on Gregory Lake.
Day 7Train to Ella
Board the famous highland train from Nanu Oya station for one of Asia's most scenic rail journeys. The vintage train chugs through misty mountains, tea estates, and viaducts to Ella — a highlight of any family trip. Arrive and enjoy a refreshing lunch before strolling to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, where you can watch trains thunder across the jungle-clad arches. In the afternoon, tackle the gentle hike to Little Adam's Peak for sweeping valley views.
Day 8Ella to South Coast
Drive south to Mirissa on the golden south coast. En route, stop at the spectacular Ravana Falls — a favourite for a dip — and perhaps visit Ravana Cave, steeped in legendary Ramayana folklore. Arrive at your beachside hotel by early afternoon, giving the family time to settle in, swim in the warm Indian Ocean, and enjoy a beach barbecue dinner as the stars emerge.
Day 9Whale Watching
Rise before dawn for an unforgettable early-morning whale watching boat trip from Mirissa Harbour. Sri Lanka's southern waters are among the best places on Earth to see blue whales — the largest creatures ever to have lived — as well as sperm whales, spinner dolphins, and flying fish. Return to shore by late morning and spend the rest of the day lazing on Mirissa's beautiful crescent beach.
Day 10Galle Fort & Turtle Hatchery
Drive west along the coast, stopping at the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Centre — a magical experience where children can learn about sea turtle rescue and, depending on the season, release baby turtles into the ocean. Continue to Galle and explore the beautifully preserved Dutch fort on foot: ramparts, lighthouse, old streets, and boutique ice cream shops await. Continue north to Bentota and check in to your beach resort.
Day 11Beach & Water Sports
A full, relaxed beach day in Bentota — one of Sri Lanka's finest family beach destinations. The whole family can enjoy water sports including jet skiing, banana boat rides, and kayaking on the calm Bentota Lagoon. For something quieter, take a mangrove river safari by boat and spot monitor lizards, kingfishers, and water monitors. The evening is free for poolside time and a beachside farewell dinner.
Day 12Departure
After a final beach breakfast, your driver transfers the family northward along the Southern Expressway to Bandaranaike International Airport in time for your departure flight. Memories of elephants, trains, beaches, and warm Sri Lankan hospitality will last a lifetime.
Book This Tour
Contact us to customize this itinerary to your preferences, budget, and schedule.
Book NowWhat's Included
- 11 nights family-friendly accommodation
- Private spacious vehicle with child seats
- English-speaking chauffeur guide
- Daily breakfast
- All listed entrance fees
- Airport transfers
Customize This Tour
Every traveller is different. We can adjust the duration, add extra activities, upgrade your hotels, or combine this with other destinations. Let's design your perfect trip.
Start Planning